The Department of Justice announced on Thursday it has reached an agreement with the city of Albuquerque , New Mexico , to address a `` pattern or practice of excessive force '' by the problem-plagued Albuquerque Police Department .

The DOJ said the city has agreed to allow an independent monitor and the courts to oversee reforms at the police department , along with community input and involvement .

According to a joint statement , the department and the city plan to implement reform in eight areas of concern : `` use of force policies , interactions with individuals with mental illness and other disabilities , tactical units , training , internal investigations and civilian complaints , management and supervision , recruitment and selection of officers , and community engagement and oversight . ''

`` This agreement marks an important step forward in addressing the unreasonable use of deadly force uncovered in our investigation into the Albuquerque Police Department , '' Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday .

The Justice Department concluded in a report released in April that Albuquerque Police had a history of brutality and unnecessary deadly force . `` The pattern and practice is the result of serious systemic deficiencies in policy , training , supervision and accountability . The police department 's failure to ensure that officers respect the Constitution undermines public trust , '' the DOJ said in the report .

`` I am confident that the Albuquerque Police Department will be able to correct troubling practices , restore public trust , and better protect its citizens against all threats and dangers -- while providing the model of professionalism and fairness that all Americans deserve , '' Holder said .

The reforms will include input from the community and the police department . `` We have asked for and received valuable ideas and insights from officers , members of the community , representatives of many organizations , and others who have a stake in the future of our community , '' said Damon Martinez , U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico .

Police brutality in Albuquerque , New Mexico 's most populous city reached a boiling point in March when protesters clashed with police for more than 12 hours over the fatal shooting of James Boyd , 38 , a homeless man .

Video shows Albuquerque police killing homeless man

Report : Albuquerque police have ` pattern ' of excessive , deadly force

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U.S. Department of Justice and city of Albuquerque agree on police reforms

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The city agrees to allow independent monitor and court to oversee reforms

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Agreement follows Justice report on deadly practices and brutality by Albuquerque Police